TODAY’S STRUGGLES...
Genesis 50:19-20
But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.
How many of us have hunted in the high mountains? There is amazing things to be found at higher elevations, scenic views, quietness, solitude and a feeling of a special closeness to the Lord. It is special to be up in the mountains.. but it hard work. I've spent many months high in the western mountains, and a few in the Alaskan mountains of Kodiak Island.
Some years I put a lot of effort into getting physically ready for the time I would spend at high elevations and I appreciated that effort when I arrived there. Then there were the years when I didn't put the effort into getting ready. I paid the price for the lack of preparation.
My friend Jim VanSteenhouse has said many times, "The mountains don't care if your in shape".
A while back my grandson shared something he had seen online. It said,
"The struggle you are in today, is developing the strength you need for tomorrow".
In the book of Genesis, Joseph, would never have chosen to be sold into slavery by his brothers. In the book of Job, Job wouldn't have chosen to lose everything. The apostle Paul would not have chosen to lose his sight... But all of these painful situation were used by God to build these men into what God wanted for them in the future
What struggle are you dealing with today? What is it that it might be preparing for you tomorrow? Take note that, Joseph, Job and Paul all followed God, they trusted Him with their lives and their future... There is the key to Godly growth.
We may think that what we're dealing with now is a pretty big deal. It may be, but it could also be preparing you for something far bigger. God is always preparing us for greater work. It's up to us to cooperate with Him to see those results.
Like my time in the mountains... the preparation I did ahead of time paid big dividends when I needed it latter on.
Look at the end result, when you're feeling pressure today... it is preparing you for the future.
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